Meet Our Team

Lisa Hokanson, Office Administrative

I have been in Dentistry for over 17 years. And even though I primarily work the front desk, you may see me every once in a while assisting Dr. Nugent since I am a Registered Dental Assistant as well. I LOVE LOVE LOVE dentistry! I’m a real “People Person” and love meeting new people and helping them in any way that I can. I am fluent in Spanish and try to speak it every chance I get.

I was born here in Pasadena and have been married to my husband Gary since 1984. We have 2 wonderful children, Vanessa who I have the pleasure of working with since 2009. And our son Eric who is awesome and who is my movie buddy. Oh and I can’t forget our Pomeranian, Dory. Family is very important to me and so I try to spend as much time as I can with my family and friends.

I love watching movies, traveling and doing volunteer work at my Church. We have a BLAST here at Dr. Nugent’s office, working with such a WONDERFUL team. It’s great to come to a place where you can feel comfortable, relaxed and call it work. Every day I look forward to coming here and seeing our patients and meeting new ones, always helping them feel like they are part of our family and to feel right at home. It is a true blessing to be around so many really GREAT and AWESOME PEOPLE.

Mayra Denous, Appointment/Treatment Coordinator

I have been in the dental field for over 7 years as a patient care coordinator. I have a lot of experience with dental insurance, treatment and helping patients feel better. I have a passion for the dental field and I am always trying to learn new things. I enjoy learning new cultures and different languages. My coworkers are wonderful! We literally see each other as family, from caring for each other to making FUN of each other. It’s part of having fun and loving your team members. The most important things for me are God, family and good friends. I love working here, Dr. Nugent is an AMAZING BOSS and I am PROUD to work for him.

Sara Saldívar, Appointment/Treatment Coordinator

I have been working in the front office for Dr. Nugent since the beginning of 2013 and I have not regretted changing from the hearing health profession to dental health. I loved my old job and I love my new role here with Dr. Nugent’s staff just as much. I enjoy learning so many new things here. I am a transplant from Louisiana, having been raised there since I was little. Sorry Texans but I still love LSU/Saints – Geaux Tigers!!! WHO DAT?! I can speak fluently in movie quotes and enjoy using it in every day conversations as often as I can. I am a sci-fi geek and love all things space and time travel, from Star Wars to Star Trek and Firefly to Doctor Who and everything in between. I can’t get enough of cheesy sci-fi, the cheesier the better just like I like my 80’s music. I love being a part of a team that is happy to teach me the field of dentistry and who embraces and sometimes encourages my quirky habits.

Blanca Urbina, Appointment/Treatment Coordinator

I have been in the Dental field for 18 years. I am originally from Los Angeles, CA. I graduated for North-West Dental Assisting School in West Covina, CA in 1997. I started my first job in Montebello, CA as a dental assistant, then moved to West Palm Beach, FL and worked as a front desk assistant from then on. After being in West Palm Beach for five years my husband and I decided to move to Texas and since then I have been assisting with treatment coordinating, insurance verification, scheduling appointments and much more. I really enjoy the dental field, because I love meeting new people on a daily basis. On another note I am really honored to be working for the BEST dentist (Dr. Michael R. Nugent) and his awesome staff !!! I am married to a wonderful man named Marvin and I have three beautiful children and two beautiful grandchildren.

Eriyala Coleman, Insurance/Appointment Coordinator

I have been in the dental field for 3 years and I love everything about it! I was born and raised in Houston, TX, and I enjoy traveling, hiking, and movie nights! Although I am a hard worker I love to laugh and to make people laugh, seeing people smile makes my day. I am so happy and thankful to be a part of this amazing, loving, caring, and hardworking team. I look forward to bringing many more smiles to you and your family!

Gail Fuller, Dental Hygienist

I love teeth! Teeth of all shapes and sizes! I got into dental hygiene almost by accident, and my original motive wasn’t to save the smiles of the world, but now that I have spent 34 years in the dental field, I couldn’t imagine any better occupation. Most of my hygiene career has been working in this office, and so I am privileged to have known a lot of our patients for a long time, and now enjoy treating their children.

I was born and raised in Pasadena, TX and graduated from Sam Rayburn High School. I attended U of H for one year, and then was accepted into the dental hygiene program at the University of Texas Dental Hygiene School, which is located in the Houston Medical Center. I married a terrific man in 1986 and we have one daughter, who is now the loudest, proudest member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2016! She received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and is attending Texas Tech Occupational Therapy School.

Danette Coe Stroder, Dental Hygienist

Hello. My name is Danette. I grew up in the Pasadena / Deer Park. I was in the health occupations program at Deer Park High School and worked as a dental assistant my senior year. I received my Dental Hygiene degree from The University of Texas Dental Branch in 1984.

I started working in this office in 1989 and have worked for Dr. Nugent since 2008 when Dr. Campbell retired.

Dr. Nugent is a wonderful dentist and maintains very current technology and ideas.

In 2003 I was blessed with a wonderful daughter. She is a very talented violinist and also plays the cello. Music is her passion and she is thriving in Orchestra.

Outside of work I enjoy cycling, hiking and spending time with my daughter.

Rebecca Ficken, Hygienist

Hi! I am Rebecca Ficken, a registered dental hygienist of 18 years. I received my Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at Lamar University and my Bachelor of Science at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. I have had experience in almost every aspect of dentistry starting at age 16 as a sterilization tech, performed limited dental assisting while in college, worked in pediatric dentistry, periodontics, general practice, as well as an educator at LoneStar College Kingwood dental hygiene program. It is obvious I am passionate about the dental field and love working with the public. In my spare time I volunteer, go on medical mission trips, and LOVE spending time with my family. I like most outdoor activities, and I enjoy any and all social outings. I am happily married to a wonderful husband and blessed with 2 amazing daughters and 1 grand-daughter. Joining Dr. Nugent and his team has been THE BEST work experience. Dr. Nugent is an incredible dentist and the most considerate boss with all the staff like an extended family. It is a perfect fit for my fun loving personality and a breath of fresh air to find others that share the same values as myself. I look forward to meeting and/or serving you at your next dental appointment!

Vanessa Vatau, Dental Assistant

I was born and raised in Pasadena and have been married to my wonderful husband since 2007. We have a Tabby cat name “Yuki” who we just Love. I have been a Certified Dental Assistant since 2008. I enjoy every aspect of my job and love working with all our wonderful Staff, we are truly a family here and the high light of everyday is assisting Dr. Nugent and making our patients feel part of our family. And of course, we always have a great time all while helping our patients feel at ease and educating them about their dental needs. There is NEVER EVER a dull moment at this office, come see for yourself. You will hear genuine laughter throughout our office which makes it so unique. You may even get to hear Dr. Nugent sing a tune or tell you about his daily adventures with his two beautiful daughters. We strive to make your visit as comfortable as possible and want to get to know you while helping you achieve that optimal smile. Come visit our office and experience what sets us apart from any other dental office you’ve been to, I look forward to meeting you.

Saul Mata, Dental Assistant

My dental journey started in a log cabin in the country… No just kidding. I was raised in Houston. I began my career in Dentistry back in 1992, fresh out of High School. I had no idea what dental assisting was or what it entailed but the course was being offered for free at that time and so I went for it and fell totally in love with the profession. I worked as a Certified Dental Assistant at the first and only place I interviewed for over 23 years and now I am here at Dr. Nugent’s office. What caught my attention was the Doctor to Patient interaction. Seeing how Dr. Nugent takes the time to answer his patient’s e-mails and calls his patients. This really impressed me and now meeting the Doc and the staff, what can I say. I feel right at home. I have been married for 20 years now (seems like yesterday), and have two children. Our son who is 7 and our daughter who is 13. I look forward to seeing you and helping make it a great experience for you. oh and I am also bilingual… Esperamos verlos para darles la mejor atencion dental y con lo mas moderno. Soy uno de los assistentes bilingues y todos estamos atentos a sus necesidades dentales. Los esperamos.

Daniela Comp, Dental Assistant

I was born in Queens, NY and moved to Pasadena when I was five. I spent most of my childhood in Pasadena and now live in Clear Lake. I’ve been married to my wonderful and goofy husband for 7 years and we love to go riding on his motorcycle any chance we get. I enjoy spending time with my family, doing activities that involve the outdoors and traveling. I have been working at this practice since May of 2013. I LOVE working with Dr. Nugent and the staff and look forward to coming to work every day. The atmosphere is like being with family and we always have fun while we’re working. I look forward to meeting new patients and getting to know them even more every time they come in.

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Google+ Reviews

Toni Fehl

Most people don’t really like to go to the dentist. But you all always go out of your way to make everyone feel like family. I refer everyone (family and friends) to you guys. I think yall are great. Keep up the good work.